Westside Youth Project
giving young people opportunities to explore the Christian faith and to fulfil their full potential.
WHAT WE DO
We are based in the area of Inverness west of the Caledonian Canal, and work in partnership with SU Scotland through their Associate Worker Scheme.
We aim to give young people opportunities to explore the Christian faith and to fulfil their full potential. We do this in various ways, including…
- supporting schools in delivering RME curriculum outcomes and in delivering Religious Observance assemblies.
- running Scripture Union groups (Supa Clubs) in local schools. These are extra-curricular clubs that enable children to explore the Bible in a fun and engaging way.
- working with local churches to run children, youth and family activities. This includes Monday Club and Our Space at Kinmylies Church of Scotland.
- supporting young people in attending Scripture Union weekends and holidays.
- offering training to volunteers, and opportunities for young people to serve and develop skills in leadership.
- providing pastoral and practical support to families as appropriate.
STAFF
Hello, I’m Anne Gunn and I’m employed by the Westside Youth Project as Schools and Families Worker. Before taking up this new role in August 2024, I was employed by Kinmylies Church of Scotland for 16 years, and before that I worked as a primary school teacher. I love my job because I get to spend time with some amazing young people!
TRUSTEES
The Westside Youth Project is a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) and governed by a Board of Trustees, who also have responsibility for the strategic direction of the organisation.
Moira McCarrell (Chair)
Moira is a retired Secondary Depute Head Teacher and Quality Improvement Officer, Highland Council Education Service. Since retiring, she has kept busy with her involvement in the Scottish Bible Society as an Ambassador and member of the SBS Board. As well as being an active member of Kinmylies Church, she delivers SBS Trauma Healing courses and helps to lead Acclaim Choir.
Elaine Kirkham (Treasurer)
Elaine’s last job was Principal Staffing Manager and Quality Improvement Officer for The Highland Council Education Service. She retired after a 35 year career with Highland Council, and is actively involved in church life (Kinmylies Church). Elaine has also been an amateur musician for most of her life and has led Acclaim Choir since 2012. In her spare time she loves walking her two Irish Setters, which is even better if there's a dog-friendly coffee shop at the end of it!
Olivia Fraser
Olivia Fraser was born and brought up in the Highlands where she now continues to live and work as a Strings Instructor for Highlife Highland.
Muriel Kelly
As a primary teacher and mum to two teen age children, Muriel leads a very busy life. For many years she was involved in leading SU camps, and continues to support children’s work through activities in Kinmylies Church and through the Westside Youth Project.
John McLachlan
John is a civil engineering lecturer at UHI Inverness, married to Claire, with three grown up sons and one grandson. He has been a Scripture Union supporter for several years, occasionally volunteering with Claire as a helper at camps. He loves being part of Kinmylies Church, getting involved in youth activities, and seeing God at work through the Westside Youth Project
Catherine Mackenzie
Catherine has worked in children’s publishing for over 25 years. She has been a children’s writer for over 30. Many of the books she has written are Christian biographies for young teens and early readers. In addition to being the children’s editor at Christian Focus Publications Catherine worships at Kingsview Christian Centre and has been a member of the Associated Presbyterian church since her late teens. Catherine is also on the board of governors at Highland Theological College UHI.
Scott Polworth
Scott studied law at the University of Glasgow and returned to the same institution to study Divinty as part of training for ministry with the Church of Scotland, being ordained in 2009 and serving 9 years as minister at Muir of Ord before being called to Kinmylies in late 2018. Scott is married to Sharon and they have five children and one grandchild.
DONATE
We rely on donations to maintain the funding of our activities. We are always looking to increase our donor base either through one off gifts, but ideally through regular giving.
If you are a UK taxpayer using Gift Aid increases your generosity to us.
Regular Donation
If you would like to financially support us on a regular basis then please contact us, using the link below, for more information.
One-off Donation
If you would like to make a one-off donation then please use the link below which will take you to our give.net website.
GET IN TOUCH
Schools and Families Worker
Anne Gunn
Email: anne@westsideyouthproject.co.uk
Telephone: 07770 720 601